Head of Corporate Secretariat and LegalNHS

Job summary

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday - Friday)

Grade: Band 8c

Base: Across site working, between Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth and St Mary's Hospital, Isle of Wight.

Main duties of the job

We are seeking an exceptional governance professional to join our Corporate Governance Directorate as Head of Corporate Secretariat and Legal. This is a high-profile leadership role providing strategic oversight of the Board Secretariat and Legal Services functions across the Group, supporting both Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

Reporting to the Group Director of Corporate Governance, you will lead a team responsible for delivering high-quality corporate governance and legal services, ensuring the Trusts meet their statutory, regulatory and legal obligations while supporting effective decision-making at Board and Executive level.

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced senior leader with substantial expertise in corporate governance, excellent influencing and stakeholder management skills, and the ability to operate confidently in a complex and highly regulated environment. You will work closely with Executive and Non-Executive Directors, providing expert advice on governance matters, leading strategic initiatives, and driving continuous improvement across the function.

The successful candidate will bring significant experience in a senior corporate governance role, strong leadership and team management capabilities, and a proven track record of delivering complex governance programmes. A relevant Masters' degree (or equivalent experience) and a corporate governance qualification are essential. Legal qualifications and healthcare law experience would be advantageous.

In return, we offer the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the leadership and governance of two major NHS organisations, working alongside senior leaders to shape best practice, strengthen assurance and support the delivery of outstanding patient care.

If you are a strategic, collaborative and forward-thinking leader who is passionate about governance excellence, we would welcome your application.

Please see the Job Descriptionfor further role responsibilities.

Closing date: Monday 21st September 2026

About us

Working as a partnership, both Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust have a shared vision for excellence in care for our patients and communities; with a set of strategic aims underpinning how we will achieve this.

The single corporate service is delivered across both organisation.You may be based at either IWT or PHU and individuals may be required to undertake business travel between sites. For leaders managing staff across multi-site locations, you will need to be visible and provide in person leadership. The arrangements and frequency will be agreed locally.